Addictions Studies

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

The A.A.S. degree program in Addictions Studies is ideal for prospective mental health practitioners or those already working in the field who wish to receive training and credentials in Addictions Studies.

Full Description

Many Addictions Studies practitioners find employment in medical and non-medical detoxification centers, rehabilitation programs, community mental health centers and family service centers, halfway houses, therapeutic communities, business, or industry. Some combine counseling with such primary professions as nursing, social work, school guidance counseling, or the clergy.

The program is accredited by the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA).

Prerequisites

Program General Requirements

Students should refer to the General Education Requirements​​ for AAS degrees and speak to an advisor. The A.A.S. model includes the State of Illinois Human Diversity requirement. ​

Humanities/Fine Arts course (3)

Social/Behavioral Sciences course (3)

Humanities course (3)

Biology

BIOLOGY107

Nutrition-Consumer Education3

Science of food as it relates to health, including food composition and utilization, food preparation and preservation, nutrition, special diets, fad foods, and foods of the future; social and political aspects of food in the world's future. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Program Core Requirements

43 CH

Program Core Requirements Description

Child Development

CHLD DV101-1

Human Growth & Development I4

This course provides a foundation in theory and principles of human development, from conception to early adolescence, including an in-depth study of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development, including children's play. Five hours observing young children, ranging in age from birth to age eight, are required. Writing assignments and oral presentations as appropriate to the discipline are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Eligibility for English 101 based on prior coursework or COMPASS, ACT, or SAT test scores, or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Includes treatment strategies, perspectives and understanding of the addiction process and its effects upon the individual, the family, employers, and society. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Basic clinical skills in alcoholism and substance abuse field; strategies in working with denial and resistance; diagnostic and assessment skills; history-taking; individual, family and group treatment modalities utilized with the alcoholic and/or substance abuser; termination process; aftercare and referral process. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in Mental Health 223, or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Mental health, the settings in which mental health problems are treated, and common types of mental health problems; review of treatment strategies and methods of intervention. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in ENGLISH 101, MENHLTH 223, 224, 230,231, OR Consent of Department Chairperson.

Students work 20 hours per week in a mental health setting in the community under supervision of mental health professionals and participate in a two-hour seminar once a week, relating field experiences to mental health theory. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in MENHLTH 223, 224, 230, 231 OR Consent of Department Chairperson. Must attend a mandatory orientation and prior acceptance of program and secure an approved practicum site before the first day of class.

Study of affects of alcoholism and substance abuse of the family; how spouse, children and extended family react to problematic drinking or drug abuse; examination of treatment including self-help groups. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in (Mental Health 223 and Mental Health 224), or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Application of needs of special treatment populations, diagnosis and treatment of adolescent and elderly clients, sexual issues; patient education, prevention strategies, spirituality, relapse prevention and employee assistance programming, AIDS and eating disorders. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in (Mental Health 223 and Mental Health 224 and Mental Health 230), or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Historical survey of psychology and a study of the sensory and perceptual processes: learning, thinking, remembering, emotional behavior, motivation, mechanism of adjustment, and the total personality. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Eligibility for English 101 based on prior coursework or COMPASS, ACT, or SAT test scores, or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Abnormal behavior and its social significance; symptoms and dynamics of psychological disorders; neuroses and psychosomatic reactions, sociopathic psychoses; consideration of therapies and theories of prevention. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in Psychology 201, or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Concepts, principles, and processes encountered by social service workers; questions of motivation, acceptance, attitude, techniques of listening and interviewing. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Eligibility for English 100, or Grade of C or better in English 98, or ACT English score of 14-20, or SAT Writing score of 360-480, or Consent of Department Chairperson.

Introduction to social welfare resources of the community; discussion of methods to help persons make use of these resources, including analysis of the helping relationship, role of non-professional worker, problem-solving approach to individual, family, and community problems. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in English 101 AND Social Service 101.

For persons who work with groups; parent groups, community action programs, recreation programs, church groups, or in child care programs. How individuals function as group members; role of the leader; encouraging participation and group action for achieving group goals. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Prerequisites:Grade of C or better in English 101, Grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in SOC SERV 101 OR Consent of Department Chairperson.

Additional Requirements

CH

Additional Required Program Core Description

Program Elective Requirements

6 CH

Program Elective Requirements Description

Courses in such fields as Education, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech/Communication are valuable to primary studies in alcoholism and substance abuse. Meet with a college Academic Advisor for elective course selection.​

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